Finger Sleeve Hair Curler Tool and Method

ABSTRACT

The finger sleeve hair curler tool is a cloth hair curling tool accessorized with a removable curl template spool. It provides an improved method of hair curling and also functions as a novel hair accessory and ponytail holder. Piece  1  is a finger-sized fabric sleeve which is closed on one end; the open end flaring to create two lobed appendages beyond the rim of the opening, each of which has a fingertip fastener aperture. The user slips the sleeve over an index finger, coils a hair section around the sleeved finger, and secures the hair within the curler via the fingertip fastener apertures using a variety of techniques for the desired results. Piece  2  of the system is a rigid finger-shaped curl template spool which the user may alternately use as a framework to slip the fabric sleeve over, thus accommodating a greater range of hair-rolling techniques and results.

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 61/451,941, filed Mar. 11, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a resilient tool arranged to be worn ona finger of a user such that hair can be wound about the tool and thefinger of the user subsequently removed for curling the hair.

BACKGROUND

Known devices for curling hair typically comprise rigid rollers aboutwhich hair is wound. The rigid rollers are uncomfortable, especiallywhen worn while sleeping. Furthermore rigid rollers for curling hair arenot aesthetically pleasing and therefore undesirable to be worn inpublic environments.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,663,302, filed Dec. 22, 1953 by Palitti disclose a curlholder in the form of a sleeve arranged to be worn on a finger of a userabout which hair may be curled. Retaining the hair curled about thesleeve however requires an awkward manipulation of the open end of thesleeve that receives the finger of the user therethrough by cinching acord about the wound hair. The curl holder is thus difficult to usecompared to conventional rigid rollers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment the present invention comprises a haircurler tool comprising of a cloth sleeve the approximate length andwidth of a finger constructed entirely of elastic fabric wherein thesleeve is closed at one end and has on the open flared end one or twolobed appendages extending beyond the rim of the opening, each of whichhas a centrally-positioned fastener aperture.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a hair curlertool arranged to support a length of hair in a curled condition, thetool comprising:

a sleeve extending in a longitudinal direction between a closed end anda finger opening in an opposing open end so as to be arranged to receivea finger slidable therein in the longitudinal direction through thefinger opening; and

at least one lobe on the open end of the sleeve which includes anaperture therein;

at least one of the sleeve and said at least one lobe being formed of aflexible material and the aperture being suitably sized such that theclosed end of the sleeve is arranged to be received through the aperturein said at least one lobe when the length of hair is wound about thesleeve between the open and closed ends thereof.

The flexible material of the hair curler tool is much more comfortablethan prior art rigid rollers. Furthermore, the configuration of the lobeor lobes having an aperture receiving the closed end of the sleevetherein is much easier to manipulate than the cinching cord of priorU.S. Pat. No. 2,663,302 such that the hair curler tool is much easier touse than any prior art devices for retaining hair in a curled condition.

Preferably the sleeve is formed of a flexible cloth material.

Preferably said at least one lobe is formed integrally and continuouslyof the same material as the sleeve.

Preferably said at least one lobe is formed of an elastic material.

Preferably the sleeve is formed of an elastic material.

Preferably the aperture in said at least one sleeve is stretchable insize.

Preferably the aperture in said at least one sleeve includes areinforced peripheral edge.

Preferably the sleeve is formed of a cloth material joined along atleast one seam extending in the longitudinal direction in which said atleast one seam includes at least one free edge of material protrudingfrom the seam and having a saw-tooth shaped profile along the lengththereof in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably said at least one lobe comprises a pair of lobes atdiametrically opposite sides of the opening in the open end of thesleeve, each including an aperture therein arranged to receive theclosed end of the sleeve therein.

The curler tool may be provided in combination with mandrel toolarranged to be slidable received in the sleeve. The mandrel tool may besubstantially straight in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve orcurved in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve.

Preferably the mandrel tool is tapered so as to have a smaller dimensionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction at a central portion than atopposing end portions locating the central portion therebetween.

Preferably the mandrel tool includes a body extending between a firstend and an opposing second end supporting a hook thereon in associationwith said at least one lobe such that said at least one lobe is arrangedto be hooked onto the respective hook when on the mandrel tool when thefirst end of the body is slidably inserted into the sleeve.

Preferably the mandrel tool is longer than the sleeve so as to define ahandle portion on the mandrel tool which protrudes outwardly in thelongitudinal direction from the open end of the sleeve when the mandreltool is fully inserted into the sleeve.

Preferably the aperture in said at least one lobe is arranged to receivethe closed end of the sleeve therein together with an end of the mandreltool received in the sleeve.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of supporting a length of hair, the method comprising:

providing a hair tool comprising a sleeve extending in a longitudinaldirection between a closed end and a finger opening in an opposing openend and at least one lobe on the open end of the sleeve which includesan aperture therein;

inserting a finger into the sleeve through the finger opening such thatthe finger is slidable relative to the sleeve in the longitudinaldirection of the sleeve;

wrapping at least a portion of the length of hair at least partway aboutthe sleeve between the open and closed ends of the sleeve;

inserting the closed end of the sleeve through the aperture in said atleast one lobe such that said portion of the length of hair is retainedbetween said at least one lobe and the sleeve.

The method may further include winding a full length of said length ofhair about the sleeve and retaining the full length of said length ofhair in a curled condition about the sleeve using only said at least onelobe.

When said at least one lobe comprises a pair of lobes which arediametrically opposite one another, the method may include inserting theclosed end of the sleeve through the aperture in both lobes such thatsaid portion of hair is retained on diametrically opposed sides of thesleeve by the pair of lobes respectively.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of supporting a length of hair, the method comprising:

providing a hair tool comprising a sleeve extending in a longitudinaldirection between a closed end and an opening in an opposing open endand at least one lobe on the open end of the sleeve which includes anaperture therein;

providing a mandrel tool having an elongate body extending between firstand second ends;

inserting the first end of the mandrel tool into the sleeve through theopening in the sleeve such that the elongate body of the mandrel tool isslidable relative to the sleeve in the longitudinal direction of thesleeve;

wrapping at least a portion of the length of hair at least partway aboutthe sleeve between the open and closed ends of the sleeve;

inserting the closed end of the sleeve together with the first end ofthe mandrel tool received therein through the aperture in said at leastone lobe such that said portion of the length of hair is retainedbetween said at least one lobe and the sleeve.

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the sleeve of the tool;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sleeve on a finger prior to hairbeing wound thereon;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the spool upon which the sleeve may bemounted;

FIGS. 5 through 9 are perspective views of different steps in the use ofthe tool according to a first application;

FIGS. 10 through 13 are perspective views of different steps in the useof the tool according to a second application;

FIGS. 14 through 20 are perspective views of different steps in the useof the tool according to a third application; and

FIGS. 21 through 25 are perspective views of different steps in the useof the tool according to a fourth application.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate correspondingparts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a haircurler tool generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The hair curlertool 10 is particularly suited for supporting a length of hair in acurled condition for setting curls.

The curler tool 10 generally comprises an elongate sleeve 12 extendingin a longitudinal direction between a closed end 14 which is closed andan opposing open end 16 locating an opening therein through which afinger of a user is arranged to be longitudinally slidable into thesleeve. The tool 10 further comprises two lobes 18 at the open end ofthe sleeve which are diametrically opposite one another and which extendin the longitudinal direction outward beyond the open end of the sleeve.Each of the lobes locates an aperture 20 therein.

The sleeve is formed of two flat pieces of cloth material which areflexible and elastic throughout the sleeves and the lobes such that thelobes are integrally formed with the sleeves continuously and seamlesslytherewith. The two flat pieces of material are joined by diametricallyopposed longitudinally extending seams joined together at the closed endof the sleeve to form one continuous generally U-shaped seam. The twopieces of material are thus situated on diametrically opposed sides ofthe sleeve along the full length thereof with each of the two piecesintegrally locating one of the two lobes thereon.

In use, the tool 10 receives a finger of a user slidably insertedtherein through the opening at the open end 16. A length of hair, or aportion thereof is then wrapped at least part-way about the longitudinalaxis of the sleeve. When used for curling, the full length of hair isfully wrapped about the sleeve at a central location thereon between theopen and closed ends of the sleeve. The hair is then retained in thewrapped or curled condition about the sleeve by stretching at least oneof the lobes over the wound hair until the aperture 20 therein isaligned with the closed end of the sleeve for insertion of the closedend of the sleeve together with the finger of the user therein throughthe aperture with the hair clamped between the lobe and the sleeve. Insome instances, both lobes are stretched over the hair at diametricallyopposed sides of the sleeve with the closed end of the sleeve beinginserted through the apertures of both lobes to substantially fullyenclose the hair within the cloth material of the tool.

In some instances the curler tool is used with a mandrel tool 22comprising a generally cylindrical body 24 extending generally in alongitudinal direction between a first end 26 and an opposing second end28. The first end 26 defines a tip which is tapered or rounded for easeof insertion through the opening at the open end of the sleeve. The mainportion of the body is arranged to be slidably inserted into the sleeve.The main portion is typically equal to or greater in length than thesleeve. The main portion may include a central portion 30 between twoend portions 32 with the central portion being narrower in diameter thanthe two end portions to assist in locating the wound hair centrallythereon.

The second end of the body includes two hooks 34 formed thereon atdiametrically opposed positions for alignment with the apertures 20 inthe diametrically opposed lobes of the curler tool 10. Each of the hooksextends outward and curves away from the first end of the mandrel toolso as to be suitably oriented for retaining the mandrel tool insertedinto the sleeve of the curler tool when the lobes are hooked on thediametrically opposed hooks 34.

The body 24 may further include a handle portion, 36 extending outwardfrom the second end of the body in the longitudinal direction so as tobe longer than the sleeve and so as to define a handle arranged to begripped in the hand of a user if the body of the mandrel tool isinserted into the sleeve.

In use, a user initially inserts the mandrel tool into the sleeve of thecurler tool and hooks the lobes 18 on the respective hooks 34. A portionof the hair of a user is then wound about the sleeve with the body ofthe mandrel tool remaining inserted therein. To retain the hair in thecurled condition, one or both lobes are unhooked from the hooks,stretched overtop of the wound hair such that the closed end 14 of thesleeve together with the first end of the mandrel tool inserted thereinare arranged to be inserted through respective apertures 20 in the twolobes 18. The mandrel tool may then be removed from the sleeve and usedto support a subsequent curler tool while hair is wound thereon.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body of the mandrel tool issubstantially straight in the longitudinal direction however in furtherembodiment, the tool may be curved between the first and second endsthereof. Due to the flexible nature of the sleeve, the sleeve follows asimilarly curved path as the mandrel tool is inserted into the sleeve inthis instance.

As described herein, the first component of the invention is a clothsleeve the approximate length and width of a finger constructed entirelyof elastic fabric; closed on one end and open on the other: the open endflaring to accommodate two lobed appendages beyond the rim of theopening situated opposite to each other, each lobe having acentrally-located fingertip fastener aperture. The apertures are holesin the fabric which can be reinforced with a rubberized finish or anadditional layer of fabric to help maintain their resiliency. Refer toFIG. 1, a view of the Finger-Sleeve Hair Curler in flattened conditionand FIG. 2 which shows the fabric sleeve from a side view.

The second component of the invention is a rigid curl template spool ormandrel which the user may alternately use as a framework to slip thefabric sleeve over in order to roll the hair section around the curlersleeve. Refer to FIG. 4, a view of the curl template spool. One end isrounded; the central portion is tapered to a narrower circumference thanthe ends. The other end has two small protruding fastener hooks onopposite sides of the spool and a small knob which the user may graspwhile rolling the hair around the sleeve.

The tool allows for an improved cold method of curling hair: moreattractive so as to be worn in public, more comfortable than traditionalrigid rollers so as to be slept on, more versatile in function, morecompact than rag-tie curlers so as to improve ease of use, lighter andmore compact for storage than traditional curlers or electronic curlingdevices, more fun and uniquely novel to use, and more environmentallyfriendly because both its production and use consume less materials andenergy than existing hair curling products.

Five embodiments of the invention are described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. The curler system can be used on dry to wet hair.Drying time will vary accordingly.

Application 1: Application 1 is recommended for fast results. FIG. 9demonstrates that when 1 fastener aperture is used to secure the hair tothe finger sleeve curler, the wrapped secured hair is accessible,allowing the user the option to apply setting products like hairsprayand allowing the hair to air-dry quickly:

STEP 1: The user slides a curler sleeve onto an index finger andstretches one fingertip fastener hole (aperture) over the tip of thethumb. The span of stretched fabric on the curler sleeve between theindex finger and thumb tip creates an L-shaped fabric groove/guidearound which the user will begin to coil the hair section (FIG. 3).

STEP 2: With the free hand, the user coils a section of hair(approximately 3×3 centimeters depending upon the thickness of hair andthe desired result) around the sleeved finger (FIG. 5) starting with theroot end and finishing with the “free end” of the hair section.

STEP 3: To secure the hair to the curler, the fingertip fasteneraperture is unhooked from the thumb tip and slipped over the tip of thesleeved index finger (FIG. 6).

STEP 4: The user grasps the tip of the fabric sleeve to pull it snuglythrough the fastener hole, thus releasing the index finger from thecurler sleeve and securing the hair in position on the curler (FIGS. 7and 8). The coiled hair is now wrapped around and secured to the fabriccurler (FIG. 9). The user loads another curler sleeve onto a finger andproceeds to wrap the next section of hair.

Application 2: By utilizing both fingertip fastener apertures, thecurler (FIG. 13) entirely encloses the coiled hair within the curlerfabric for 2 results: 1) The coiled hair section is more securelyenclosed within the curler fabric and is thus suitable for longer-termuse, such as wearing the curlers while the user sleeps: 2) Utilizingboth fastener apertures create an attractive configuration of the curlertool which is suitable to be worn as a novel hair accessory:

STEP 1: The user slides a curler sleeve onto an index finger andstretches one fingertip fastener hole (aperture) over the tip of thethumb. The span of stretched fabric on the curler sleeve between theindex finger and thumb tip creates an L-shaped fabric groove/guidearound which the user will begin to coil the hair section (FIG. 3).

STEP 2: With the free hand, the user coils a section of hair(approximately 3×3 centimeters depending upon the thickness of hair andthe desired result) around the sleeved finger (FIG. 5) starting with theroot end and finishing with the “free end” of the hair section.

STEP 3: To secure the hair to the curler, the fingertip fasteneraperture is unhooked from the thumb tip and slipped over the tip of thesleeved index finger (FIG. 8).

STEP 4: Loop the second or top fastener aperture over the tip of theindex finger (FIG. 10).

STEP 5: The user grasps the tip of the fabric sleeve to pull it snuglythrough both fastener holes, thus releasing the index finger from thesleeve and securing the hair in position on the curler (FIGS. 11 and12).

Application 3: The user may slide the finger sleeve curler over the curltemplate spool instead of their own finger to create a different type ofcurl. This method produces a smoother ringlet or spiral curl as comparedto the more twisted or tousled curl described in application 1 and 2.

STEP 1: The user slips a curler sleeve onto the curl template spool andstretches the fastener holes (apertures) over the hooks of the spool(FIG. 14).

STEP 2: In this embodiment of the invention, the user rolls a section ofhair around the middle tapered section of the curler tool, beginningwith the hair tips and rolling to the hair root (FIG. 15).

STEP 3: To secure the hair to the curler, unhook the fingertip fastenerapertures from the spool hooks and slip one or both apertures over theclosed end of the sleeved spool (FIG. 17).

STEP 4: Grasp the closed end of the fabric sleeve and slide the templatespool out from the sleeve (FIG. 18).

STEP 5: Pull the closed end of the sleeve snugly through the fasteneraperture(s) to secure the coiled hair section to the curler (FIG. 8 orFIG. 18).

Application 4: To function as a ponytail holder: see FIG. 25

STEP 1: The user slides a Finger-Sleeve Hair Curler Tool onto an indexfinger, stretches one fingertip fastener aperture over the tip of thethumb (FIG. 21), and then gathers the entire hair section between thumband index finger (FIGS. 22 and 23).

STEP 2: The sleeve is secured around the hair by slipping one or both ofthe fastener apertures over the tip of the index finger (FIG. 24).

STEP 3: Grasp the closed end of the sleeve at the index fingertip, andpull the fabric snugly through the apertures to the desired tension(FIG. 25). Note that in this embodiment of the invention, no hair iscoiled around the index finger.

Application 5: A proportionately smaller version of the curler tool andcurl template spool accessory may be used for shorter or smallersections of hair:

In this embodiment of the invention, the user would slip a smallerfinger sleeve curler tool on their smallest finger instead of the indexfinger, or onto a smaller curl template spool, and follow the sameprocedures as previously described.

As described herein, the present invention relates to a hair curler toolcomprising of a cloth sleeve the approximate length and width of afinger constructed entirely of elastic fabric wherein the sleeve isclosed at one end and has on the open flared end one or two lobedappendages extending beyond the rim of the opening, each of which has acentrally-positioned fastener aperture.

The tool may be accessorized with a second component which is aremovable rigid curl template spool. The spool is designed to slide intothe finger sleeve tool. The central portion of the spool is tapered to anarrower circumference than the ends. One end is rounded, other end has2 hooks designed to stretch the fabric curler sleeve over the spool bymeans of securing the fastener apertures to the hooks. Beyond the hooksis a small knob which the user grasps while rolling hair around thecurler tool.

The curler tool may be comprised of a fabric sleeve designed to beslipped temporarily over a finger or rigid curl template spool (thatserves as a template for the curl diameter) while hair is coiled aroundit for the purpose of retaining curls.

The tool may have in its design fastener apertures located near the openend of the curler finger sleeve which are independent of the holethrough which a finger or likewise rigid structure is temporarilyinserted.

The curler tool may be constructed so that the fabric trim may have sawtooth or zigzag edges, the shape of which aids in holding the hairsection in place around the curler as the hair section is coiled arounda sleeved finger or sleeved curl template spool.

The curler tool may be constructed from any number of fabrics, theproperties of which may include stretch, absorbent/wicking orwaterproof, visual appeal due to color or pattern.

The curler tool is thus versatile in its use as a hair curler, a fashionaccessory, and a ponytail holder.

The size of the fabric sleeve and accompanying curl template spool maybe of varying sizes. For example, to make smaller curls with smallsections of hair, a small curler sleeve could be used on the smallestfinger of the hand, or a small curler sleeve could be used by childrenon their index fingers.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein abovedescribed, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same madewithin the spirit and scope of the claims without department from suchspirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in theaccompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only andnot in a limiting sense.

1. A hair curler tool arranged to support a length of hair in a curledcondition, the tool comprising: a sleeve extending in a longitudinaldirection between a closed end and a finger opening in an opposing openend so as to be arranged to receive a finger slidable therein in thelongitudinal direction through the finger opening; and at least one lobeon the open end of the sleeve which includes an aperture therein; atleast one of the sleeve and said at least one lobe being formed of aflexible material and the aperture being suitably sized such that theclosed end of the sleeve is arranged to be received through the aperturein said at least one lobe when the length of hair is wound about thesleeve between the open and closed ends thereof.
 2. The curler toolaccording to claim 1 wherein the sleeve is formed of a flexible clothmaterial.
 3. The curler tool according to claim 1 wherein said at leastone lobe is formed integrally and continuously of the same material asthe sleeve.
 4. The curler tool according to claim 1 wherein said atleast one lobe is formed of an elastic material.
 5. The curler toolaccording to claim 1 wherein the sleeve is formed of an elasticmaterial.
 6. The curler tool according to claim 1 wherein the aperturein said at least one sleeve is stretchable in size.
 7. The curler toolaccording to claim 1 wherein the aperture in said at least one sleeveincludes a reinforced peripheral edge.
 8. The curler tool according toclaim 1 wherein the sleeve is formed of a cloth material joined along atleast one seam extending in the longitudinal direction, said at leastone seam including at least one free edge of material protruding fromthe seam and having a saw-tooth shaped profile along the length thereofin the longitudinal direction.
 9. The curler tool according to claim 1wherein said at least one lobe comprises a pair of lobes atdiametrically opposite sides of the opening in the open end of thesleeve, each including an aperture therein arranged to receive theclosed end of the sleeve therein.
 10. The curler tool according to claim1 in combination with mandrel tool arranged to be slidable received inthe sleeve.
 11. The curler tool according to claim 10 wherein themandrel tool is substantially straight in the longitudinal direction ofthe sleeve.
 12. The curler tool according to claim 10 wherein themandrel tool is curved in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve. 13.The curler tool according to claim 10 wherein the mandrel tool istapered so as to have a smaller dimension perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction at a central portion than at opposing endportions locating the central portion therebetween.
 14. The curler toolaccording to claim 10 wherein the mandrel tool includes a body extendingbetween a first end and an opposing second end supporting a hook thereonin association with said at least one lobe such that said at least onelobe is arranged to be hooked onto the respective hook when on themandrel tool when the first end of the body is slidably inserted intothe sleeve.
 15. The curler tool according to claim 10 wherein themandrel tool is longer than the sleeve so as to define a handle portionon the mandrel tool which protrudes outwardly in the longitudinaldirection from the open end of the sleeve when the mandrel tool is fullyinserted into the sleeve.
 16. The curler tool according to claim 10wherein the aperture in said at least one lobe is arranged to receivethe closed end of the sleeve therein together with an end of the mandreltool received in the sleeve.
 17. A method of supporting a length ofhair, the method comprising: providing a hair tool comprising a sleeveextending in a longitudinal direction between a closed end and a fingeropening in an opposing open end and at least one lobe on the open end ofthe sleeve which includes an aperture therein; inserting a finger intothe sleeve through the finger opening such that the finger is slidablerelative to the sleeve in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve;wrapping at least a portion of the length of hair at least partway aboutthe sleeve between the open and closed ends of the sleeve; inserting theclosed end of the sleeve through the aperture in said at least one lobesuch that said portion of the length of hair is retained between said atleast one lobe and the sleeve.
 18. The method according to claim 17including winding a full length of said length of hair about the sleeveand retaining the full length of said length of hair in a curledcondition about the sleeve using only said at least one lobe.
 19. Themethod according to claim 17 wherein said at least one lobe comprises apair of lobes which are diametrically opposite one another, the methodincluding inserting the closed end of the sleeve through the aperture inboth lobes such that said portion of hair is retained on diametricallyopposed sides of the sleeve by the pair of lobes respectively.
 20. Amethod of supporting a length of hair, the method comprising: providinga hair tool comprising a sleeve extending in a longitudinal directionbetween a closed end and an opening in an opposing open end and at leastone lobe on the open end of the sleeve which includes an aperturetherein; providing a mandrel tool having an elongate body extendingbetween first and second ends; inserting the first end of the mandreltool into the sleeve through the opening in the sleeve such that theelongate body of the mandrel tool is slidable relative to the sleeve inthe longitudinal direction of the sleeve; wrapping at least a portion ofthe length of hair at least partway about the sleeve between the openand closed ends of the sleeve; inserting the closed end of the sleevetogether with the first end of the mandrel tool received therein throughthe aperture in said at least one lobe such that said portion of thelength of hair is retained between said at least one lobe and thesleeve.